Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year A, 17th August, 2020.

 Readings: Ezek. 24:15-24, Deut.32:26-36, Matt. 19:23-30

Fr. Emmanuel Onyia.

LET GO OF YOUR EXCESS POSSESSIONS AND COME FOLLOW THE LORD

The way people are so much attached to the things of this passing world with little or no attention to the things that edifice the soul is quite alarming. People can go to any length to acquire properties, treasures, fame, influence and power that will last from forth to tenth generation, without thinking of that which will lead to life eternal.
This is exactly the mind set of the young man in our Gospel passage today, who claimed to have kept all the commandment without realizing that he has actually abandoned the fundamental principle of the commandment which have to do with loving and caring for the poor.

So Jesus draws his attention to this fundamental principle of our human existence, when he said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me”. This really touched his ego and pride, so he suddenly became very sad and dejected, and went away sorrowfully.

This is why a proud and possessive person will find it difficult to remain faithful in their relationship with God and neighours just like the people of Israel in our first reading, who have constantly being disobedient and proud in their relationship with God and their neighbours, an ugly attitude that is leading them to destruction.
Thus God addressed them through prophet Ezekiel, telling them that unless they change, they will all be crushed and conquered by the Babylonians. For their city, their whole kingdom, their king and people, their proud Temple built by king Solomon would be torn down and destroyed, all because of their infidelity to God’s commandment.

Dear friends, today Jesus touched the very thing that this young rich man was not ready to give up, his money, his houses, his credentials, his power, pride and all his wealth. But, if we are honest enough, we will admit that we all have some things we would be very slow to let go if Jesus should make the same demand of us. Things we would not like God to ask us to give up.
In fact, it might be a good thing today for us to ask ourselves, what would be the most difficult thing for us to give up if Jesus should ask us to do so. It might be some thing we own like our house, or it might be a relationship, or our job, or our wealth. Whatever that we posses that will separate us from our mission of following Jesus and loving our neighbours, today we are called to give them up and come follow the Lord.

LET US PRAY, Heavenly Father, we are so much attached to things of this passing world, help us to know that excess attachment to our earthly possessions could be an obstacle on our way to your Kingdom. Give us the grace to let go of things that often separate us from you as we learn to share with our neighbours especially the poor. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen Do have a great week ahead.